Sensei Julie Keil is the chief instructor for the dojo and started Golden Dragon Martial Arts twelve and a half years ago. She has been training since 1976 in a variety of styles and achieved her first black belt in Iaido (the art of drawing the sword) and in karate in 1987. In 1996 she won a state championship in Senior Women's fighting after having finished second in 1995. She holds a fourth degree black belt in both Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Okinawan karate and in OKDR traditional kobudo (Okinawan weapons). She has travelled to Okinawa twice to study karate and kobudo with master instructors and is eagerly awaiting the next chance.

Her personal philosophy of martial arts encompasses the idea that martial arts, unlike many team sports which focus on winning and on the team, builds the character of its individual students in a positive way. Anyone who does martial arts can succeed in it-they just have to try their hardest and work. In a good martial arts school there are no teams that are picked and no "trash talking". Every student, even the first day beginner, is a valued member of the class and should find the dojo a place for personal growth and esteem.

First degree black belt in karate and kobudo

Age: 22

I began training in February of 2003, when I was 15, and have trained consistently for about 6 years out of the past 6 1/2 years. What I enjoy most about training are the activities where two people do a form together, like a mock fight. I like this because, even though the moves are the same, you always have to adapt what you do to the person you are doing it with.

My personal philosophy of martial arts is that you can't just go through the motions of doing karate or else it's not really karate you are doing. You need to try, to put forth effort and not give up, and you will succeed.

Sensei Johnson began training in 2003. She joined after watching her son, Daniel, who had started training the year before. Watching focus, confidence, and skill development in her son and the other students convinced her martial arts could benefit all ages. She earned her first-degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Okinawan karate in 2008. She has also trained in OKDR traditional kobudo since 2005 with the nunchuku currently being a weapon of interest.

Her personal philosophy includes that martial arts is a process not an event. A focus on training, not belt rank, is the key to growth. Growth happens when you show up, do the work, and expect to face uncomfortable challenges. The same is true for the world of work or academia. Showing up, doing the work and expecting challenging parts make great life practice for any age. And, a black belt never forgets that she was a white belt in need of assistance and encouragement!

Started Training: When I was 4 years old.

How Long: I've been training for 9 years, but it will be 10 in May of next year.

What I enjoy most: I love doing kobudo because to me, having a weapon in my hands is so much easier. But in karate, I love doing Yako Soko drills because you actually get to hit a target.

My Philosophy: Don't be afraid to be aggressive, just let it out. Most people (females especially) are used to being told to be quiet and sweet, but the way I look at it, when you're doing martial arts, it lets you break all of those rules. In martial arts, you can be loud and mean, and people are okay with it. I started out shy and quiet, but now, I'm really strong and not afraid to show it.